Rudi Ryan hails 'top bloke' Alvaro Qurios after day to remember at KOD

Rudi Ryan was full of praise for ‘top bloke’ Alvaro Quiros for helping him enjoy Callaway’s Kings of Distance event to the max.

The 35-year-old, who was part of the winning White Team on the day, took on the seven-time European Tour winner in the Beat The Pro contest before holding his nerve along with team-mate Dan Blackwell in the day’s finale.

“The input, time and effort Alvaro was able to give to us all on the day was so, so helpful,” said the 16-handicapper. “Unfortunately, though, I wasn’t able to beat him on Beat the Pro!

“At the end there, it was properly nerve-wracking standing up there and I’m so chuffed to have been part of the winning team on such an incredible day.”

Ryan struck a drive of 256 yards in the finale at Stockport Golf Club which, along with Blackwell’s mammoth effort, meant that the duo won a brand new Callaway Rogue driver each, along with one for their ten teammates.

It was perfect timing for Ryan too as, earlier in the day, he had gained a huge 42 yards with the Rogue – the third most of the 96 attendees on the day.

“To win a custom-fitted Rogue driver was the icing on the cake of brilliant day,” he added. “My initial experience of the Rogue was that it had a great sound, a great feel and the distance that I gained said it all.

“I’ve never been fitted for a driver before and had an inclination that I’d need a stiffer shaft, which I did. Since my Rogue was delivered, I’ve been on a weekend away with a golf society that I’m a part of and I’ve all the lads asking how much they can buy it from me for – but I’ve made it clear it’s not for sale!”